The Joy Formidable, O2 Academy 2, 5th October

The Joy Formidable play tonight as part of the NME Radar tour. After the performance they gave, they’ve plonked themselves well and truly on the map.

After an interesting set (in the broadest sense of the word) by support act the Flats, followed by Chapel Club, the crowd rapturously applaud the Joy Formidable on stage. The North Wales three piece outfit suit their name – they are a joy to watch and will be a formidable presence in the music industry. Songs such ‘Greyhounds in the Slips’ and the amusingly titled ‘My Beerdrunk Soul is Sadder Than a Hundred Dead Christmas Trees’ sound fantastic live, the drummer Matt Thomas in particular giving the performance of his life. Ritzy Bryan and Rhydian Dafydd make an endearing pair on vocals, making good interaction with the crowd and declaring their love of Newcastle. T

here really is little to fault about their performance, and new single ‘I Don’t Want To See You Like This’ is an instant crowd pleaser. Their climatic final song is played with such ferocity, such commitment and passion, it is almost mesmerising to watch. Ritzy Bryan swoons round the stage, waving her guitar around, turning knobs and dials scattered across the stage, all of which keeps the mood of the music unpredictable, engrossing and original. Once their new album, ‘The Big Roar’, is released, the only way is up for these Welsh rockers. The reassuring thing is, they thoroughly deserve it.

Michael Worthington

Architects, 02 Academy 2, Monday 4th October

The last couple of years have seen the prominence and the fan base of Architects soar. Their blazing performance at the 02 Academy 2 is an indication why.
The event was bursting at high energy levels well before Architects graced the stage – a sold out crowd proceeded to mosh relentlessly throughout the three support acts, culminating in a ferocious fight between two fans during the Norma Jean set. The two troublemakers were subsequently dragged out of the venue. However it was Architect’s who packed the biggest punch tonight. Once on stage, the Architects got straight down to business.
Songs such as ‘In Arrogance’ and their latest single ‘Day In Day Out’ ooze with flavour and impressive vocals from frontman Sam Carter. Songs ‘Early Grave’ and ‘Numbers Count For Nothing’ are both utterly stunning – the frenzied response from the crowd a clear reflection of this. The Brighton born frontman commanded the audience to "get drunk and have some fun" - the mass of moshing fans willingly obliged.
Architects produce a sound that is both uncompromising and ferocious, and it is evident that every band member puts 110% into their performance. The Architects send out a clear message from their explosive set. They are on top of their game, and the only way is up. Although their style of music is not suited to everyone’s taste, they have clear potential to be heavy-weights in their own genre.

Michael Worthington